“Well, you need to tell him that. He’s a good one, Syd. Don’t let him get away,” Kerry adds dreamily, staring out of the window of Sydney’s room.
A moment of silence passes, then a second and a third, before a tidbit of information disclosed by her mother blossoms in her mind.
“So…what’s this I hear about diplomatic immunity?”
“Oh, that,” her statuesque friend replies, shrugging her shoulders and taking a deep breath before checking that the door is closed once more. “Have you ever heard of the country Larambourg?”
“No, I don’t recall learning about that in Geography, but that sort of subject was never my forte.”
“I doubt you would, most people haven’t. Anyway, we’re a small but prideful country tucked away in Europe, surrounded by France and Switzerland,” she takes a deep breath and then continues, “And I happen to be their Princess,” Kerry reveals nervously, her fingers twisting around one another.
Sydney pauses and then narrows her eyes at Kerry accusingly, waiting for the punch line.
After a moment of contemplation, Sydney asks, “Why don’t you have an accent?”
Kerry releases a deep breath and she visibly relaxes.
“I’ve been coming to the states for a long time, so it’s easy to mask,” she discloses, then switches the tone and projection of her voice to add, “And I happen to be a very good actress.”
Sydney’s eyes widen in surprise and then she finds herself laughing at the situation. Who would have thought that all this time, they had a Princess living in Carson?
During her fit of laughter, Kerry interrupts her and looks serious once more, her hand coming down gently on Sydney’s foot.
“Look, I have to go away again for a little while. It’s not safe for me to be around the people I care about. Some threats are being made overseas and I could potentially be one of their victims.”
“And this could bring some unwanted attention. I understand. Will you come back?”
“I’ll be back once everything settles. I love Carson so much, they couldn’t keep me away,” Kerry adds with a wink as she moves to exit the room.
“Hey! Before you go, since we’re all for disclosing new things today, is Kerry your real name?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Kerry replies with a wink and opens the hospital room’s door.
“I’m just going to look you up!” Sydney shouts from her bed, earning her a round of laughter from Kerry and her two guards.
“I’ll be seeing you, Sydney. Take care of yourself.”
“You too, Kerry. And thank you.”
Kerry doesn’t respond, just simply nods her head and gently closes the door, leaving Sydney abandoned once more.
AS SYDNEY SLOUCHES IN the wheelchair and places the hospital-issued plastic bag in her lap, she glances over at her mother, who is grabbing her purse from the lone chair.
“Thanks for helping me today, Mom.”
A mingled look that expresses a myriad of deep love and concern grows on her mother’s face as she follows the nurse who is wheeling Sydney’s chair out of the room.
“You know the entire family would have been here, but we didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
With a chuckle, Sydney agrees, “That was probably best. How is Dad holding up? First with Austin and now me, I’m sure he isn’t doing too well with the stress.”
“Sure, he’s been a bit anxious, but he’s doing fine. And really, he’s been a bit giddy with the babies’ due dates getting closer. I think he is considering retiring from the department. He wants to be around to watch the little ones grow.”
Her father is the Fire Chief for the Carson Fire Department, and the sole employee due to budget. The rest of the department relies on volunteers from the community, including her brothers. It was a big hit to the team when Austin asked to cut back his hours to be with Nikki and the baby, but they had all understood. It will be a big change for the department, though, if her father leaves a position he’s held for almost forty years.
They arrive at the discharge area of the hospital, and Sydney waits patiently as her mother scurries off to the parking lot to retrieve the car and pick her up.
Within a few minutes, the silver sedan glides into the spot in front of Sydney and her mother and the nurse help her get into the car, being careful not to nudge her injured right shoulder and collarbone on anything.
The ride begins in silence as Amy maneuvers the car out of urban Asheville and onto the Interstate, leading them home.
“Wow. I never imagined Dad retiring. It’s who he has been for so long,” Sydney says softly as she leans her head back against the headrest of the seat and looks at her mother.
“I know, Sweets. But your father and I talked about it. And, well, I’d like to have him around, too. The past few years have been tough with all the new residences. He’s been stretched far too thin.”
“That’s a good point. Does he think he can get the town to increase the budget to bring on more help?”
“We’ve addressed it at the Lady Busy Bees meetings and are bringing it forward to the Town Council. Your father estimates that, based on the growth, we need to bring on at least three full-time employees. He has also suggested that since he has a tenured salary, someone much younger could be hired for significantly less.”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way. It’s actually a bit scary how fast Carson is growing.”
“It is, but it will be good for the town. No one wants to change what brought them here in the first place.”
“You’re right. When I left for school, I forgot how quaint Carson can be and how genuine the townspeople are. It’s definitely not something you find everywhere.”
“Speaking of school. I’m not going to ask why you hid a relationship from us, that’s your business, but I would like to know why you lied about being hurt.”
Sydney inhales a deep breath and works to collect her thoughts.
“I know it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. And I know the outcome could have been far worse at the time, but I felt that for the first time you all would have been disappointed in me and that was something I couldn’t have lived with.”
“Sydney,” her mom says lovingly. “We all make mistakes in relationships. Darn, your father can attest to that. And though I love her fiercely, your sister Avery reminds me daily about your father’s indiscretion. But you can’t be worried about disappointing anyone else. People forgive and forget and move on.
“I’m sorry you ever felt that you would disappoint us. We are extremely proud of the woman you have become.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Sydney whispers as wetness pools in her eyes.
“Well, now, we can’t have any tears, today is a new day.”
Giggling, Sydney wipes away the wetness that had spilled on her cheeks.
“And since we’re in the car for the next half hour or so, why don’t you tell me what’s going on with your man and why he isn’t the one taking you home.”
So for the next thirty minutes, Sydney spills everything – well, all the clean parts, anyway - about her relationship with Dylan. How she was initially put off by their attraction, then how she felt betrayed by his secret, and finally how Preston’s return had thrown an entire wrench in their plans. She is confused about how to meld her past and future with the two men that meant more to her than anyone. Sydney knows in her heart that Dylan is it for her, but with his sudden disappearance, she worries that her decision has been made for her.
“Well, I happen to know that he is still in Carson, and working with your brother to finalize The Grill. Though Joseph Jr. mentioned that he had asked to help me find a replacement since I was the one that hired him.”
Joseph Jr. is her brother Austin. Her mom has a hard time calling him by his middle name, and the family loves to rag on her for it.
“But he’s still in town?”
“As far as I know.”
“Can you take me to him?”
As Amy
turns onto Main Street, she turns her head slightly, her light blond bob never losing its shape and she grins sneakily.
“Where did you think I was taking you?”
IS HAND ACHES AS he signs off on one final paper that Austin had thrust into his hand. The Grill is complete and ready to open in one week. Dylan feels a small ache in his chest when he imagines not being here for it. Of course, the ache is minimal compared to what he feels when he imagines never seeing Sydney again. Never holding her in his arms. Never tasting her sweet flavor. It is agony.
Dylan has arranged a time with Sydney’s mom, Amy, to go over the previous applicants and find one who would be suited for taking over the position as head chef. He knows he won’t be able to work alongside Sydney and keep his emotions in check. He feels too much for her, his love too strong. So instead, he is being a coward and bowing out, allowing the right man for her to step in.
A knock on the front door is followed by heavy, boot-laden steps that interrupt his internal musings. The Carson Police Chief, Fred, and his old partner, Preston, walk over to where the men stand and prop themselves onto the cushioned stools in front of the counter. Preston glides a hand through his sleek blond hair as he gazes around the space.
“I like it. It looks good in here.”
Wearily, Dylan responds in thanks and continues signing the paperwork.
“We’ll have to get together on Thursdays like we used to back in the day.”
Confused, Dylan raises his head and stares at Preston questioningly.
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, you’re looking at Carson’s new Police Chief. Fred here is looking to retire, and Rockwell gave me a good recommendation since he assumed you weren’t interested in re-joining the force.”
“Congratulations, I’m sure you’ll like it here. But I’m not staying.”
Preston sits up straighter in his stool, intrigue overtaking his features.
“What do you mean you’re not staying?”
“I just think everyone would be better off if I left.”
“I don’t know, man. I think…” Preston begins to say, but it is interrupted as they hear the back door slam shut and a feminine voice ring out.
“Dylan?” the voice inquires.
“Well, I think we’ll all be heading out. Don’t forget about Thursday,” Preston adds as he hops off the stool and follows Fred out of the bakery door.
Clapping Dylan on the shoulder, Austin adds, “Good luck, Dylan. I hope to be seeing you around.”
Confused, Dylan watches as the group of men scurry away from the tiny woman calling out his name.
As she makes her way through the back of The Grill towards the front counter where he waits, he can’t help but feel his heart pick up its pace as she saunters into the room, wearing tight denim jeans and an oversized white shirt. He feels himself growing in need and desire for her until the sling around her shoulder catches his attention. It acts like a pale of ice cold water dropping over top of him, submerging him in its chilled depth.
“Sydney,” he begins, but he stops when he sees the look of sheer determination in her eyes.
“You were just going to leave? You were going to leave without saying anything to me? Not even a goodbye? How could you do that to me?”
“Angel,” Dylan begins.
“No! You don’t get to call me that! I want to know why!” Sydney shouts as she positions herself in front of Dylan, legs in a warrior’s stance.
Exasperated, Dylan tosses his hands in the air, wanting to get a word into the conversation.
“Because you deserve someone who can protect you, dammit!”
The look of fortitude on Sydney’s face grows in fierceness and she pokes a delicate finger into Dylan’s chest, taking him by surprise.
“I don’t want someone to protect me. I want someone that understands that I am strong and that I can protect myself. I want someone who will love me and will protect my heart. I thought that man was you!”
Grabbing her index finger as it continues to push against his chest in an odd strength he hadn’t realized she possessed, Dylan grunts as he retorts, “I am that man. At least, I wanted to be.”
“Then do something about it! I am not weak! If you love me, then stay!” Taking a deep breath Sydney, steps back and whispers, “I want you to stay.”
Dylan watches as her resolve changes to wistfulness, then to heartbreak as the silence grows and he refrains from responding. He stares at her as his heart, an unfamiliar beat in his chest as he fully imagines his life without Sydney by his side. The visions of his inert existence flash behind his eyes and he gulps.
Unable to hold back, Dylan reaches out and grabs Sydney by her waist, dragging her to him. The moment her good arm latches onto his shoulder for balance, he seals his mouth against hers.
She doesn’t fight against him; instead, she seems shocked by his gesture and is unable to move as he nips and pecks at her mouth. His tongue licks at her lips, wanting and waiting to penetrate between their lusciousness. She seems to awaken and opens up for him, their tongues dueling in a sensual dance of love and lust.
Shocking them both, a voice calls from the dining section of the bakery and the couple pulls apart, eyes wide and bursting with desire.
“Well, it seems everything has been worked out. Dylan, I assume I can trust you to take her home?”
Not breaking eye contact with Sydney, he stares into the whiskey colored swirls as he replies to Amy, “You have my word, ma’am.”
“Good, I’m glad to see you’re sticking around. Oh, and I’m sure you can start practicing calling me Mom.”
Dylan chuckles as Sydney’s eyes amplify slightly and he has to fight back a full-mouthed grin. “Working on it.”
“Alright then. See you both at dinner. Remember, Angie’s at six,” she responds as she elegantly turns to exit the bakery in the direction from whence she came.
“Yes, Mom. We’ll be there.” Sydney whispers as she trails her hand from his shoulder down his chest, coming to rest low on his hips.
“Are you ready to go home, Angel?” Dylan asks, stroking a hand delicately through her hair, the soft waves sliding through his fingertips.
Sydney shakes her head as she pulls on the edge of his shirt, then moves her hand under the material to rest on his heated skin.
“What do you have in mind then?” he probes, his dick growing when her fingers trail across the waist band of his jeans.
Licking her lips, she melts her body against his, her soft breasts pushing against his chest as she leans forward and stands on the tips of her toes to whisper in his ear.
“I think we have a brand new counter to christen.”
A growl sounds deep in Dylan’s chest and he hastily wraps an arm around Sydney’s waist, carrying her towards the new kitchen with a stainless steel counter top. A place that he has already imagined a hundred different ways of making love to Sydney upon.
Resting her on top of the cold metal, he yanks at her jeans and panties, removing them swiftly and then he watches as Sydney flinches slightly once the chilly material touches her bare skin. Her breathing becomes fast and irregular as his hands trail up and down her legs, coming to meet at her heated center.
“I need you, Dylan. Make love to me now. Please.”
Jerking his pants down and freeing his erection, he slides his dick across her sweetest spot, watching as her body shakes at each movement. The excitement at watching how turned on she is and how responsive she is to his touch only increases his longing for her, his desire growing to new heights.
As he guides his cock into her tight channel, he leans forward and uses his hand to bring her mouth to meet his. Dylan kisses her lips gently as she exhales a deep moan of pleasure.
Between their kisses, Dylan whispers, “Now that’s a promise I know I can keep.”
YDNEY HADN’T THOUGHT ABOUT how difficult everything would be when you had an arm resting in a sling for six weeks. It hadn’t initially occurred
to her that baking was damn near impossible when you made everything from scratch, or that her dominate arm had been made immobile.
Nope, none of that had flitted through her mind when she left the hospital because she had been in a lusty haze for that entire afternoon.
She and Dylan had christened The Grill’s new kitchen, then she promptly made him sanitize it when they were finished before she allowed him to take her home.
They hadn’t officially agreed to move in together, but during the past week, all of his things had started showing up in her place.
And she secretly loved it, though she enjoyed giving him crap about it. Every time she would ask where something had come from, he would just smile, his silver eyes would darken, and he’d take her to the bedroom.
She may have begun doing it on purpose solely because she thoroughly enjoyed the effect.
Sydney stands back from the chalkboard frame she has just placed outside and smiles in joy.
She has done it. Today is the day she officially expands her mother’s legacy, and Wake and Bake and The Grill become one.
Back inside, Sydney finds Dylan standing behind the counter, wiping down the granite once more as Logan and Austin converse in the corner. She skips over to one of the stools and delicately plops down onto the cushion. She finds that she is still a bit sore from the escapades she and Dylan participated in this morning and winces slightly. As she settles into the seat, Sydney smiles, remembering the way he had cornered her in the bakery and licked the chocolate sauce for her donuts off of her body.
“What has you smiling like that? Me, I hope.”
Bringing her gaze to Dylan’s, her smile widens enough that her cheeks hurt and she assures him that she indeed is thinking of him.
“I was remembering this morning.”
“Yes, we’ll have to do that again. And soon.”
“Mmmhmm. So, do you have everything ready to go?”
From behind her, a set of strong arms wrap around her waist, startling her and she spins on the stool in alarm.
Coming Consumed: Welcome to Carson, Book Three Page 16
